Focused ink drop detection
US6530640B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41J2/2139
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The amount of time required to perform ink drop detections may be substantially reduced by characterizing which nozzles stand a greater likelihood of failure and by performing drop detections more frequently on those nozzles as compared to nozzles that have been identified as having less of a risk of failure. Continuous drop detection on those nozzles that have been identified as standing less of a risk of failure may be substantially omitted, without negatively impacting the quality of a printed output in a substantial manner. By selectively performing drop detections on those nozzles that stand a greater likelihood of failure, it may be possible to both reduce the amount of time required to test the nozzles as well as substantially any negative impact on print quality caused by these nozzles. The characterization of the nozzles as standing a greater likelihood of failure may be based upon the selected printmode. In addition, the determination of which nozzles to perform drop detection upon may also be based upon the selected printmode. In this respect, the throughput and the print quality may be adjusted according to user preferences.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.